Chef Talk: Sam Waez of Acropolis Greek Taverna

Wednesday

Nov 15, 2017 at 2:01 AM

Interview plus recipe for Mediterranean salsa

By Abby Weingarten, Correspondent

Sam Waez, the chef/co-founder/managing partner of Acropolis Greek Taverna, recently opened a location across from The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota. Serving traditional Greek favorites such as pastitsio, moussaka, saganaki and spanakopita, Acropolis also offers guests a lively dining experience with dancing and dazzling presentations.

Q: What can you tell me about the expansion of the Acropolis brand?

A: This is our second franchise location. We are working on a third location on the East Coast. Acropolis is the largest high-end Greek cuisine franchise that has a sit-down, formal concept. It originated in 2001 and features six locations, with the seventh in the works and that will be in Lakeland.

Q: What is your culinary background?

A: I attended culinary school in Athens, Greece. The restaurant business is something that is embedded in Greek culture. It is something that all Greek people do and believe in. There is a very strong work ethic. We love food and this type of business is in our blood. We do not only do this for the money, we also do it for our nature, which is to give happiness to people. The music, the drinks, the food, we love it, all of it. It is the atmosphere.

Q: Why did you choose the Sarasota market for Acropolis?

A: We are from Tampa but I have always loved the Sarasota area. I spoke to the Benderson group over seven years ago and was going to bring the concept across the street. But I preferred to wait and move to the UTC area, where there is a more decidedly urban feel. We have friends and family in this area.

Q: What are three of your signature dishes?

A: The Chicken Rhodes with salted chicken, lemon, wine, artichokes, olives, fresh spinach and goat cheese; the Acropolis Seafood, the sauce is house-made served over ice with scallops, shrimp, mussels and a roasted pepper sauce; and the Makedonikos, similar to jambalaya, with seafood sausage, shrimp, chicken, and a tomato-based sauce with fresh basil, cilantro and garlic.

Q: What has been one of your best memories at Acropolis?

A: The most special thing for me has always been watching kids and families having a great time. The napkins thrown around, the plates broken, the dancing and the smiles. The entire experience is wonderful to watch. The servers dance the Zorba every night. And everyone is smiling and happy.